geekystudmuffin | The Triangular Theory of Love (1/3), Morgan/Reid/Hotch, NC-17

Title: The Triangular Theory of Love (1/3)
Authors:

severity_softly
Pairing: Morgan/Reid, eventual Morgan/Reid/Hotch
Rating: NC-17
WC: ~21,300
Warnings: Threesome
Summary: Morgan and Reid are happy in their relationship...but they've both been watching someone else.

It had been building for months. All the little glances, the unnecessary touches. They were all cataloged in Derek's brain. Maybe he was going crazy. He'd never been a jealous lover before, but then he'd never had anyone like Spencer before. If there was ever a lover to develop a jealous streak over, it was Spencer.

After Phoenix, after Aaron went and painted a target on his own back their unsub couldn't refuse, after seeing Spencer's reaction to that, Derek couldn't keep his mouth shut any longer. They'd just gotten home from the case--well, to Spencer's apartment, which was feeling like home these days--when he gripped Spencer's shoulders and met his gaze, steadying himself to ask the question. Except that he wasn't quite ready for the same question to come out of both their mouths at the same time:

"Is there something going on between you and Hotch?"

"What?!"

Spencer pressed his finger to Derek's lips before they started playing a synchronized round of twenty questions.

"Derek--" Spencer started, but Derek just pulled away.

"When Hotch got served, you were the only one that didn't look the least bit upset about it," he said.

Spencer's jaw dropped open. "Yeah, and after New York, I had to hand feed you chocolate in bed for a week before you cheered up!"

Derek sputtered, but then just pushed on, "When you found out we'd gotten the unsub this case, you looked like you could faint with relief!"

Spencer's eyes were wide. "I wasn't the one volunteering to tackle the shooter!"

"That's what I do!" Derek countered. "You're the one he always talks to about things."

"And you're the one who always pushes him about things," Spencer shot back.

"Maybe he needs it!" Derek said, then scowled. They were getting sidetracked. "What's going on?"

"You have a crush on Hotch!" Spencer accused. 'That's what's going on."

Before he could stop himself, Derek laughed. "No-no-no, pretty boy, I do not have a crush on Hotch. I love you." Somewhere in the back of his mind, Derek knew the part about Aaron wasn't exactly the truth.

"You can love someone and still have a crush on someone else," Spencer replied, brushing his thumb over Derek's cheek. His gaze was contemplative and a little confused.

"Do you have a crush on Hotch?" Derek asked.

Spencer made an awkward sort of shrugging motion, then looked away. He shifted on his feet a moment, then blurted, "MaybealittlebutIwouldneveractonitIloveyou."

Derek chewed his lower lip for a moment, then sighed. "Maybe I sorta have a crush on Hotch. But I'm happy with you. So it doesn't matter. I just want to see him happy, that's all." He wrapped his arms around Spencer and pulled him close. "He's...a good man."

Spencer's arms slid around Derek's shoulders and then Spencer's lips were against Derek's neck. "He deserves to be happy," he breathed.

"Mmm," Derek acknowledged.

"Derek?"

"Yeah?" Derek murmured, stroking Spencer's back.

"There's nothing going on," Spencer finally answered.

Spencer was squeezing tightly now, and Derek realized after a moment he was trying to get Derek to pick him up. Derek shifted and pulled back, cradling Spencer against him when Spencer got his legs around his waist.

"All right," Derek murmured. "Same here." He kissed Spencer tenderly and carried him to bed. He'd never seen himself as a flowers and romance kind of guy, but he liked romancing Spencer. He settled Spencer on the bed and climbed on top of him, brushing little kisses over his lover's cheeks and down his throat as his hands worked at undoing Spencer's tie and shirt. Somehow he couldn't quite dismiss the idea of Spencer having a crush on Aaron, though.

Spencer's hands were stroking down Derek's back, over his shoulders. He pressed his throat up against Derek's lips with a happy noise. Derek scraped his teeth over Spencer's Adam's apple, enjoying the way Spencer squirmed, but he couldn't stop the question that was pushing its way out.

"How long?" he asked, ignoring the twist in his stomach.

Spencer froze and didn't answer for a moment, then finally said, "Since I joined the BAU."

A wash of cold swept through Derek and he jerked back, but Spencer was following him in a heartbeat, wrapping his arms around him and keeping Derek from getting far.

"Derek, you asked. Don't-- It's not like that anymore." He was stroking his fingers over the back of Derek's head.

"Not like what?" Derek said, scowling at him to hide the hurt. "You've had these feelings for him for five years? Why would you agree to be with me if you want someone else?"

"That isn't what I said, Derek; you're twisting my words," Spencer protested, leaning in to kiss Derek. "I have feelings--strong feelings--for you. And I didn't just agree to be with you. I wanted to be with you. It is possible to have feelings for more than one person. Even attraction. Monogamy isn't scientifically--"

"Don't give me that science bullshit," Derek said, though his voice was as gentle as he could make it. He didn't want to start a fight. He wished that he'd never brought it up. Suddenly he kept picturing Spencer and Aaron together, and it made his gut twist uncomfortably.

"It's the truth," Spencer said, frowning. "And you weren't very nice to me, if you remember. So, yeah, since I joined. But he was married, and you didn't like me anyway."

"I liked you just fine," Derek grumbled.

Spencer snorted. "Right."

"Hey, I'd never been in one place for more than a year or so, I wasn't used to forming attachments. I just didn't know how to express my feelings." Derek knew that was only a small part of it, and Spencer did, too, but Derek didn't feel like admitting that he'd felt threatened by the new kid who just happened to be pretty and a genius, and that he'd felt the need to prove his superiority. They'd worked out those issues long ago.

"You and I both know that wasn't it," Spencer said. "Anyway, it doesn't matter. I was just saying why I wasn't throwing myself at you the moment we met." He twined his arms tightly around Derek's neck and pulled him back down on top of him. "And that doesn't really matter, does it? I'm throwing myself at you now." He looped a leg around Derek's and kissed him deeply.

Derek responded automatically, his blood turning to molten gold under Spencer's touch the way it always did. When he broke the kiss, he was breathless. "But you still have feelings for him."

Spencer looked hesitant to answer at first, but then he met Derek's gaze, his hand hooked around the back of Derek's neck to keep him from pulling away again. "The same way you do," he murmured.

"I would never, never do anything to jeopardize our relationship, pretty boy," Derek whispered. "I'm too lucky to have you. I'd never do anything like that." He didn't deny the feelings. He couldn't. But he knew damn well how lucky he was to have Spencer, and if he ever did something that ruined their relationship, he'd hate himself forever.

"I wouldn't either," Spencer said, smiling up at him. "That's what I meant."

Derek leaned in and kissed Spencer slowly. "I love you," he whispered against Spencer's mouth, and kissed him again. "I love you so much." He nuzzled Spencer's jaw. "I want you to fuck me, Spencer." He knew Spencer would see through that and know he needed reassurance, but he didn't care. They'd had enough misunderstandings and obstacles between them over the years; they didn't need another.

Spencer's eyes widened just a little, but he thankfully didn't say anything. He pulled Derek down for a thorough kiss, and then hooked a leg around Derek's and flipped them both, which was a move that always made Derek smile at least a little; it was one Derek had taught him as a bit of self defense that would work regardless of how much bigger the person Spencer was defending himself from was. It had somehow made its way into their bedroom on a regular basis.

"I want that too," Spencer said, slipping between Derek's knees.

"Good." Derek gave Spencer a sultry smile and slid a hand down to grope his ass. "Mmm, you're sexy with your tie hanging open like that." He slid his free hand between them to slide his thumb over a nipple.

Spencer sucked in a breath and licked his lips, then leaned down to kiss a trail over Derek's jaw. "You're sexy all the time," he whispered, sliding cold fingers up under Derek's shirt. Derek could tell he was wasn't trying to make Derek squirm, but it did anyway. Spencer let out a breathy laugh, and didn't protest when Derek closed his hand around Spencer's to warm it.

"Need to get you some warmer gloves," he teased. He liked Spencer's preferred method of keeping his hands warm, which was to steal Derek's pockets, but that was only when they weren't working. With his free hand he tugged the back of Spencer's shirt up, then slid his fingers inside the waistband of his pants, stroking the small of his back.

"I like this way better," Spencer whispered into Derek's ear, then trailed his tongue up the shell. Derek's breath hitched and freed Spencer's hand. It slid up Derek's chest, and then Spencer bent his knuckles and dragged his nails down Derek's chest lightly. Derek groaned and shifted up against the light scratches, and Spencer kissed his mouth again.

"You need to be wearing less clothes," Spencer announced, and shifted to pull Derek's shirt off.

Derek groaned and arched his back to help, then before his t-shirt was all the way off his wrists, he lowered his arms and trapped Spencer with it, pulling him in for another kiss. "God, you always turn me on so easily," he murmured, getting his shirt the rest of the way off and dropping it over the edge of the bed. "Need you naked, too." He splayed his hands across Spencer's belly, smiling at his dark skin against Spencer's paler skin.

"I thought you said I was sexy with my tie open," Spencer said, and shifted to work open Derek's pants instead of getting his own shirt off.

"Hey," Derek complained, but Spencer pulled out of his reach when Derek went to grab the edges of his shirt.

"Mmm, no, you," Spencer murmured, sitting on his heels between Derek's legs. His fingers were pulling open Derek's pants, his gaze and focus solely on that act. And God, he was sexy, just strips of his lithe body peeking out under his clothes, his hair slipping down into his eyes.

"You're sexy a lot of ways," Derek said, but he lifted his hips when Spencer tugged, his gaze riveted on Spencer's chest. After a moment he lifted his hands to brush Spencer's hair behind his ears, lifting his gaze to his lover's face. "You gonna fuck me with your tie on?" he whispered, smirking up at Spencer.

Spencer tossed Derek's jeans and underwear to the floor and met Derek's gaze, his own lips twisting to match Derek's smirk with one that was all Spencer's, one that always sent a thrill through Derek because he usually only saw it in situations like these.

Spencer hummed a little amused noise, but didn't answer. His fingers circled the base of Derek's cock and then Spencer's lips were around him. Derek gasped and moaned, his fingers sliding further into Spencer's hair. "God," he breathed.

Spencer settled into a rhythm quickly, and shifted down against the mattress. Through the waves of pleasure Spencer was already driving through him, Derek was dimly aware that Spencer was working at getting out of his own pants one handed as he sucked Derek.

"Nnnh," Derek groaned, stroking his fingers down Spencer's neck and back up to curl at his jaw. His eyelids were falling closed from the overwhelming sensation flooding him. "God, yes, Spence." He whimpered faintly. "Need you." He wished he were more eloquent, but Spencer knew damn well what his lips did to Derek when they were on his cock.

Spencer squirmed against the mattress, kicked, and stopped moving. Then he laughed around Derek's cock, and Derek had no idea why he was laughing, but it felt amazing, all the vibrations of sound over his skin. "Nnghh! God!"

Spencer's lips were gone a second later. "I got stuck," he murmured, and Derek gasped a laugh of his own as Spencer moved to get the rest of the way out of his pants, which seemed to have tangled up nicely.

"God, sex with you is so much fun," Derek said. He had liked sex for years, but he'd never had this much fun until Spencer, when they could laugh at themselves and play, and only take sex as seriously as they wanted to. "You're good for me." He forced his eyes open so he could grin at Spencer and watch him settle back down between Derek's legs. Spencer grinned back up at him as Derek's fingers slid into his hair again.

Spencer drew his tongue up the underside of Derek's shaft, then reached up to get into the nightstand for the lube. "You're good for me," he returned, kissing over the tops of Derek's thighs as he opened the lube. A slick finger was questing at Derek's entrance a moment later. "So happy you trust me," he whispered, which they both knew was every bit tied to what he was doing, as he slid his finger gently inside on that statement.

Derek groaned and arched his body at the flash of heat that ran through his body when Spencer breached him. They didn't do this often, even though he enjoyed it; Spencer seemed to be perfectly happy letting him do most of the fucking. Still, Spencer was plenty good at this. "Completely," Derek managed, his breath coming fast.

His breath left him a few seconds later, however, when Spencer's finger crooked and hit that spot. Derek gasped, moaning, and then tried to force himself not to thrust when Spencer closed his mouth on him again. Spencer's fingers and lips were easily loosening Derek's body, and he seemed to just instinctively know when Derek was ready for more, because he was sliding in a new finger each time Derek's body was loose enough, never going too fast or too slow.

"God, yes," Derek gasped, twisting the sheet in his fingers to keep from thrusting. "Spencer..." We should do this more often, he thought, as he usually did. He always meant to, but Spencer generally only did this when Derek asked, and Derek only thought to ask when he was doubting himself. "Need you, Spence."

"Mmm," Spencer hummed around Derek, which sent a new wave of pleasure over Derek, then pulled back. Spencer kissed up Derek's stomach as he prepared himself, and by the time Spencer's lips met Derek's, his fingers were being replaced with Spencer's cock.

Derek groaned into the kiss, tangling the fingers of one hand in Spencer's hair while the other hand stroked down his back to grip his ass. Derek loved this, the sensation of utterly abandoning control to the one person in the world he knew he could trust entirely. As the thought flitted hazily through his mind, it was followed by another thought, whispering that Aaron didn't think Derek trusted him. Derek grunted aloud with the shock of the thought and shoved the thought violently away, opening his eyes to stare at Spencer as they kissed.

Spencer's eyes were half lidded, a lazy smile playing over his lips as his chest rose and fell. He seemed to be getting his bearings from the feel of sinking inside of Derek. Once he seemed steady, he started to move, his eyes slipping shut and he dropped a hand to grip Derek's hip. "Derek," he murmured, lowering his head to kiss Derek's jaw.

"Yes," Derek breathed, stroking his hand over Spencer's skin and lifting his hips to meet Spencer's movements. "Take, Spencer."

Spencer groaned. "I am," he whispered, and somehow sounded amused and aroused in those two soundless words. His fingers curled around Derek's cock and stroked as his thrusts sped. "So good," Spencer panted, his breath shaky.

"Nnnh," Derek agreed, getting a leg around Spencer's lean hips and pulling him deeper. "Fuck, yes!" He kissed Spencer hungrily, still running his hands over his lover's warm skin. Pleasure was curling through him, making his body hum with excitement.

Spencer's rhythm was faltering fast. It usually did when they had sex like this, and the first few times Derek had wondered how Spencer wasn't the least embarrassed by it, automatically assuming Spencer might have as much ego about that act as Derek always had before he'd been with Spencer. Now it just added to Derek's pleasure, knowing that being inside Derek undid Spencer so easily.

"Yes, yes," Derek panted, clenching his muscles around Spencer. He nipped at Spencer's jaw, scratching lightly down the lean back. "God, you feel...so good!" Spencer tightened his grip at that and Derek groaned loudly and came, clutching at Spencer through the aftershocks.

Spencer gasped softly, the little breath coming ragged, almost as if he hadn't expected Derek was so close, and then Spencer's rhythm fell apart completely and he stilled, groaning as he came just after Derek. "Mmm, Derek," he panted, and then relaxed on top of Derek, nuzzling his jaw.

Derek hummed and slid his arms around Spencer, closing his eyes. "God, I love it when you fuck me," he murmured. "Should do that more often." Spencer just laughed faintly and kissed his neck, and Derek dismissed all thoughts of Aaron and jealousy in a haze of sleepy content.

***

Three weeks later, though, after Derek overheard Aaron confessing to an overly-sympathetic Spencer that he missed his son and was feeling old and undateable, another Aaron-related argument was sparked, this time in the supply closet of the BAU. In a furiously-whispered conversation Spencer called Derek a jealous girlfriend, Derek countered by calling him a shameless hussy, and they both were on the verge of storming out of the closet when they heard Prentiss outside. They'd frozen, neither of them wanting to be caught like this despite their anger, since they hadn't quite gotten around to coming out to the team yet. By the time the coast was clear, they'd settled into a cool cordiality that was painful, both to them and to the team.

Spencer found himself chewing anxiously on his lips and darting glances at Derek when he wasn't looking. They'd both acknowledged having feelings for Aaron. What if Derek was angry enough to do something about it? There was still a large part of Spencer that, despite all the assurances he'd been receiving from Derek for months, feared he would someday walk away, just like everyone else seemed to. Spencer knew he got jealous much more often than Derek did, though to be fair, Derek was more of a flirt than Spencer. Still, he couldn't stand the idea of losing Derek just because he wanted Aaron. He knew it was greedy, and he had long ago resigned himself to the idea of never touching Aaron or doing anything more than look. He loved Derek, and he enjoyed their relationship.

When it came down to it, there was no decision to be made. The evening after their argument, Spencer took Derek out to dinner and apologized. To his amusement, Derek had come to dinner armed with a box of chocolates and a half-dozen red roses. They apologized and laughed together and agreed that they were both committed to their relationship.

Which didn't explain how, a bottle-and-a-half of expensive red wine later, they were once again discussing the idea of wanting Aaron.

"I'm just saying," Spencer murmured, feeling more than a little loose. He lifted a finger to make his point, watched it waver, then dropped it back to his lap. "I'm just saying he needs someone who understands him, and I worry, you know, I really do, that no one ever will." He eyed his glass. It was probably time to stop.

"We understand him," Derek muttered. He reached over and took Spencer's hand, pulling it to his lips to kiss the knuckles. "Better than an'one, really. Better than Haley ever did." He tilted his head, blinking at Spencer. "'Cept maybe Rossi. You think Rossi ever...oh, ew, no."

Spencer's grin felt ridiculous, but all he could manage was to snort a laugh and drop his head to the table... which reminded him. "We should get a cab; we're drunk." He lifted his head again. "Yeah, but no, you think...?"

"Very drunk," Derek agreed. "I think what? I think you're gorgeous." He grinned at Spencer, rubbing his thumb over Spencer's knuckles. "Oh, Rossi? No." He signaled to their waiter, who quietly agreed that yes, a cab was a good idea, and of course he would be happy to call one.

Spencer grinned when the waiter left and squeezed Derek's hand. "God, is anyone looking?" he murmured.

"Don't think so." Derek shrugged. "Hell, don't really care. Love you." He blinked at his wine glass and apparently decided it would be stupid to waste it, because he drained it in two long sips. "We understand Hotch, Spence. You and me."

"Mmm," Spencer answered, nodding quickly--a little too quickly, actually, and Spencer closed his eyes against the slight spinning. "We do," he said, pushing his glass across to Derek. "Finish it. We paid for it." Derek was bigger than him anyway.

Derek's laugh was rich. "You tryin' to get me drunk an' take advantage, pretty boy?" he asked. He obeyed anyway, taking slightly smaller sips. "I like that idea."

Spencer chuckled, his eyes warm and slightly glassy on Derek's. "We should get Hotch drunk and take advantage of him," he blurted, and then suddenly felt a lot more sober as worry washed over him that he may have just overstepped their light discussion of Aaron.

Derek's eyes widened, but he sipped his wine again before responding. Finally he said, "Great in theory, but a l'il creepy if he's not 'specting it." He finished the glass and looked regretfully at it.

"Everyone has hooked up drunk before," Spencer said, nodding at the waiter who was taking their payment. "I'm sure you have. I--" He shook his head and sighed. "He deserves more than drunken sex." Someone near them cleared their throat and Spencer bit his lips together and sunk in his seat.

Derek laughed again and Spencer felt a wave of relief that he was amused and not embarrassed. Then Derek leaned close over the table. "Tell th' truth, I'm your only drunk hookup, aren't I?" He grinned when heat spread across Spencer's face, so Spencer knew he must be blushing. "We are so drunk," Derek added unnecessarily.

The waiter came back with Spencer's debit card and said quietly, "Your cab is waiting for you outside, gentlemen."

"Thanks, man," Derek said, giving him a friendly smile. "The service has been excellent." Fortunately, the waiter looked amused, too. Derek held out a hand to help Spencer stand up, then helped him with his coat at the coat check. This had really been too nice a restaurant for them to have ordered the second bottle of wine. But it had turned into a nice date.

In the cab, Derek snuggled against Spencer, breathing in his ear while Spencer tried to give the driver their destination. It took Spencer a moment to think about it, with the little shivers that were running through him, and even after he gave the cab driver his address, he hoped it was right.

Their cab driver didn't seem to care for driving two men around who were hanging on each other, but Spencer had too much wine in him to care, and he pulled Derek against his chest, stroking his hand over Derek's shoulder. By the time they pulled up at Spencer's apartment, Derek had fallen asleep on him, and Spencer had to shake him awake so they could stumble into the apartment together.

"What if we told him we were going to get him drunk and take advantage of him?" Spencer asked once they were inside.

Derek thought that over, blinking sleepily at Spencer. He really was adorable like this, Spencer thought, especially since he usually didn't let his guard down this much around anyone but Spencer. "Worth a try," he said finally. Then he frowned and wrapped an arm around Spencer's waist. "This is for both of us, right? Don't want you having Hotch without me."

"Yeah, yeah, we can share him," Spencer murmured, slumping against Derek's body, swaying a little, then snorted. "We're talking about our boss like he's chocolate cake."

"Mmm." Derek laughed and kissed Spencer's neck. "White cake. I'm your choc'late cake. Take me to bed and lick all th'icing off."

Spencer rolled his eyes. "You did not just say that," he said, almost disbelieving, but grinning at Derek anyway.

Derek just laughed again and started nudging Spencer towards the bedroom. "'An' y'r vanilla bean ice cream. People think y'r just vanilla and then y'r all rich and d'licious."

"Oh, I am sleeping on the couch if you're going to be this stupid," Spencer threatened, and tried to pull away, but Derek caught Spencer and threw him over his shoulder easily... then swayed, and Spencer threw his hand against the closest wall. "Shit, Derek, careful," he barely managed through a string of laughter.

"m'always careful with you, pretty boy," Derek said, and though he was laughing too, his words weren't quite as slurred as they had been a moment ago. Spencer hoped that meant that nearly dropping his lover had sobered Derek up a little. Just a little. Derek carried Spencer into the bedroom, managing to avoid walls and doorways the whole way, and dumped him on the bed.

Spencer hit harder than necessary, expelling a little grunt, and then watched Derek for a minute before pulling him down too. "Okay, so we don't get him drunk. What do we do?" Spencer said, stroking his hand over Derek's jaw. He hoped they'd remember this all in the morning. And not regret it. "Do you think he knows we're together?"

"Don't know," Derek admitted, wriggling out of his shirt and then snuggling up against Spencer. He was ridiculously cuddly when he was drunk. Spencer smiled and ran a hand over the broad shoulders. Derek kissed him. "Probably won't be too surprised." He kissed Spencer again. "Say we try gettin' 'im drunk." Another kiss. "Just need to tell him what we're doin' first." He kissed Spencer's neck and chuckled. "But f'r now y'need to take advantage of me."

Spencer laughed and pulled him close.

***

Try getting him drunk. The words kept echoing through Spencer's brain as he glanced nervously at Aaron's office door again. It had seemed like a good idea at the time, and a week later it still seemed like...well, the best idea they could come up with. In a low-voiced, hungover conversation the day after, he and Derek had agreed that they both wanted Aaron, and that it was worth trying to get him to join them in bed. If he was willing to join them in more...if he wanted to somehow work out an actual relationship...they were both interested in that, as well.

But somehow it had fallen to Spencer to get Aaron to agree to the idea of drinking with them at Derek's house. If Spencer couldn't manage that much, Derek had said, there was no point in pursuing anything further.

"Why me?" Spencer had demanded again this afternoon in the locker room, and Derek had kissed him and straightened his tie.

"Because you're the one he likes more, pretty boy. Plus, you look a hell of a lot more innocent than I do. Now go get 'im, tiger."

"He likes you plenty," Spencer argued, but he really didn't think he was going to win this. "And I've seen your puppy dog eyes. They work."

"They work on you, gorgeous. Not on Hotch. I can't think of one time they have ever worked on Hotch." Derek kissed him again. "If you don't hurry up and leave, I'm gonna drag you somewhere more private than the locker room and do naughty things to you. I'll see you at home."

Spencer sighed. "I don't even know what to say." He wrapped his arms around Derek and tugged towards the door. "Come with me," he requested, which he'd done a million times before. He doubted he was going to get a new answer this time.

Derek could do a good impression of a tree trunk when he wanted to. He didn't move, despite Spencer's tugging. "Pretty boy, we don't want to overwhelm him. Just invite him for drinks, say you want to talk, don't tell him where you're taking him." Derek grinned. "Technically it's not kidnapping if we're all FBI agents."

Spencer tugged again, this time see-sawing himself back and forth a bit, which was mostly just a game now to see if he could get Derek to move. Unfortunately, the silent joke weakened his resolve to actually get Derek to join him. "Fine," he said finally, in mock annoyance. "Fine."

Derek's grin widened and he took a step forward, catching Spencer when he was thrown off balance. "You love me," he murmured, and stole one last, breath-taking kiss, before extracting himself from Spencer's arms and sauntering out of the locker room. Spencer had taken a few minutes to catch his breath and splash water on his face, then had returned to the bullpen, where he was currently psyching himself up for...

...what amounted to kidnapping his boss.

Spencer cleared his throat and eyed Aaron's office door dubiously, and barely managed not to jump when Rossi said goodnight to him.

"Night," he said quickly, pretending not to noticed the questioning look on Rossi's face as he walked away. As soon as Rossi was safely inside the elevators, Spencer's gaze drifted right back to the office door, and he headed that way, trying to force the nerves away as he knocked lightly on Aaron's door.

"Come in." Aaron's voice was warm, though it sounded a little absent. He always sounded that way when he was involved in something. Spencer took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

"Hi," he said, and immediately felt like his tongue had turned to lead.

Aaron hadn't looked up when the door opened, but when he heard Spencer's voice, he lifted his head immediately, his expression welcoming. "Reid. Everything okay?"

Spencer nodded quickly, then bit his lip. "Yeah, I'm fine. Totally fine."

The welcoming expression on Aaron's face was turning into one of concern. "Okay," he said, and it didn't sound like an 'okay', really. It sounded like Aaron was just waiting to hear what the problem was.

"Um. Would you like...ah...I was wondering..." Oh, God, Spencer knew he was doing this all wrong. Derek would have been all smooth and charming, like he had been with Spencer.

Aaron's brows drew together, but he sat back in his chair and his voice lightened. "Spencer, whatever it is, it can't be that bad." He paused. "What is it?"

"Oh, it's not bad," Spencer said. God, it would be fantastic if it worked, actually. Somehow that thought made him a little more shaky now, though. "I want to talk to you," he blurted.

Aaron relaxed somewhat, tilting his head a little. "My door is always open, you know that. Nothing I'm doing here is so important it can't wait. What's up?"

Spencer felt himself relax a little too. Nothing pressing meant that Aaron didn't have anything to use to get out of 'having a drink' with Spencer. "Well, I... You sure I'm not interrupting?"

Aaron smiled again. "I'm sure."

"Can we talk somewhere other than here, then?" Spencer said, giving Aaron a hopeful look that he realized a few moments too late was exactly the reason Derek wanted him to try to get Aaron to come over.

Aaron visibly hesitated, then shrugged. "Sure, if you'll feel more comfortable." He studied Spencer's face for a moment, then smiled a tad ruefully. "I'm afraid you'll have to pick somewhere. I don't go out enough to know of a place."

Spencer nodded, his own smile widening. Oh, I know a perfect place, he thought. "I don't either, really, but there's someplace I have in mind. It's quiet." He shrugged.

"Quiet's good," Aaron agreed.

"Great," Spencer said, afraid his smile was too big now. He tried to tone it down, but he wasn't sure how successful he was being. "Would you, ah, mind driving? I took the VRE to work today."

"That's fine," Aaron said, standing. Oh, he was hooked.

Spencer felt a flash of triumph that quickly followed by guilt. This is deceptive, whispered a voice in the back of his head. Shut up, he told it fiercely. "Let me just get my coat."

Aaron followed him out, pulling his office door shut behind him. "You need something warmer than that, Spencer. I'd have thought after five years in Virginia, you'd know what our winters are like."

"Doesn't matter what I wear, I'm always going to be cold," Spencer said, smiling at Aaron because he always liked when Aaron said things like that. It always made him feel like Aaron wanted to protect him. Aaron did, of course; it was no secret how much he cared for his team. But in quiet moments like these, it felt more special.

Aaron shook his head, but he was smiling. "I'd suggest you wear silk long-johns, but that might be considered inappropriate," he said, his tone dry. "A down-filled coat might be a better choice than wool, though. And gloves would be a good addition to your winter wardrobe. I think commenting on outerwear is perfectly acceptable." He led the way out of the BAU and down to the parking garage.

Spencer found himself watching Aaron closely as they got into Aaron's car. "Or you could compromise and tell me I should get down-filled long-johns," he said, and was rewarded with a little smile. He was suddenly a little worried, however, because he and Derek were about to suggest Aaron have a threesome with them, and Aaron was worried about how appropriate discussing winter underwear was.

Oh God.

"You know... do you ever--" Spencer sighed, but couldn't get the question out: Do you ever get tired of worrying about how correct what you're doing is? Instead he just gestured to show Aaron where to go. "You know, Hotch... we all... we all want you to be happy."

Aaron gave him a puzzled look, but smiled faintly again. "I appreciate that, Spencer." He glanced at him again, then turned back to watch the road. "Even if I'm not sure what that has to do with your choice of winter underwear." There was a rare teasing note in his voice; Spencer thought he got more of Aaron's humor than most people on the team did, but it was still unexpected, and the words made Spencer's face heat.

Spencer huffed a little laugh, then drew his fingers through his hair. More than I can tell you right now. "Nothing. Sorry, non-sequitur." He cleared his throat and shifted a little to face Aaron.

Aaron laughed, the sound warm. "What's going on in there?" he asked, glancing over and lifting one hand from the wheel to tap Spencer's temple. "I didn't realize we were going for a drink to talk about me."

Spencer couldn't help grinning, but he pointed down another street before he answered. Aaron was going to realize they were heading into a residential zone any minute now. Spencer bit his lip. "Maybe I'm tired of talking about me. You don't get enough practice," he said softly. God, Aaron was gorgeous. It wasn't a thought that ever left Spencer, but it was more apparent when Aaron smiled like that.

"You don't really spend a lot of time talking about yourself, either," Aaron countered. He frowned faintly. "Where are we going? You haven't filed any change of address, so I know you're still in Stafford."

Shit. "No, I still live in Stafford. I told you, someplace quiet." He wondered if Aaron would turn around now if Spencer told him they were going to Derek's house. "What are you worried about? You're stronger than me and a better shot. I would have blitzed you by now if I were going to try anything," he joked nervously. You are going to 'try something', he reminded himself. This was starting to feel supremely stupid.

"I hope I'm a better profiler than to work with you for five years and not realize by now that you're planning to off me," Aaron said. He kept following Spencer's directions, though he was looking a little confused.

Spencer just smiled a thin smile and kept pointing the way. Derek's house was warmly lit and inviting from the street, and as Spencer led Aaron up the walk, he hoped Derek was ready for them when they got there. They hadn't been able to agree on what they thought Aaron's choice drink might be. Derek had thought wine, while Spencer had thought maybe brandy or a really good scotch.

Spencer dug in his pocket for his key, but the front door swung open instead. Derek was beaming at them in the entryway, and he swept Spencer into a loose one-armed embraced and kissed him, just a brief brush of lips before he let Spencer go again. Well, that settled the question of whether Aaron knew about them.

"Hey, Hotch," Derek greeted, and Spencer turned to give him a sheepish smile, almost afraid to see Aaron's reaction to that greeting.

Aaron's eyebrows had gone up, but he didn't react otherwise. "I didn't realize this was a coming-out party, or I'd have brought a gift," he said, deadpan. "I take it you've decided to quit keeping this a secret, and thought I should be informed first? I appreciate it, but it's not necessary. I've known for some time now. I haven't seen that it affects your work, so--"

"Okay, okay, maybe I deserve that." Derek cut him off, laughing, but he moved out of the doorway, tugging Spencer gently with him. "But truth is, I've been getting impatient."

"I've been snookered, haven't I?" Aaron said, but he sounded amused. He stepped inside and shut the door behind him. "You look so innocent that I always forget you could fleece us all at poker with one hand tied behind your back," he said to Spencer.

Spencer's smile felt more natural now, relief flooding through him at the sound of Aaron's voice. Maybe this wasn't going to be awkward after all. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he said, then glanced between Derek and Aaron. God, if this went according to plan...

Spencer had to fight down the excitement at the thought of watching Derek and Aaron simply kiss, let alone do other things.

"Wine? Scotch? Brandy?" he asked Aaron, and Aaron seemed to consider it a moment before answering, "Brandy."

Spencer pressed his lips together, badly fighting a victorious little laugh, then bounced on the balls of his feet and looked at Derek. "You owe me five bucks," he said, and went to get their drinks.

Derek snorted. "Little bastard always wins. I oughta stop betting against him." Even as he headed into the kitchen, Spencer could hear the affection in Derek's voice. It was nice that Derek didn't seem embarrassed to admit how much he liked Spencer. Not that Spencer had expected him to hide it, but Derek was normally so cool at work that it was different.

It looked like Derek had already been in the rum, so Spencer just refreshed his glass and poured red wine for himself and brandy for Aaron. As he came back down the hall, he realized Derek and Aaron had moved to the living room where Derek had a fire going. Spencer liked the smell of the wood smoke, and he had to suppress a shiver at the thought of firelight flickering over both men's features.

When he got there, he stopped in the entryway and tilted his head at both of them for a moment, enjoying the sight, then had to remind himself fiercely not to get ahead of himself. How long had he wanted this and not allowed himself to voice it? For that matter how long had Derek wanted this? Spencer knew Derek was a more jealous lover than Spencer was, but he was pretty certain they were past that with Aaron. At least he hoped they were. He hoped this wasn't going to blow up in all their faces.

Derek had taken the over-stuffed armchair (which must have been habit, as Spencer thought Derek only ever sat there because he liked that Spencer tended to sit in his lap when he did), which left Aaron alone on the couch. Spencer passed their drinks around and sat on the other side of Aaron, curling his legs up under himself on the couch.

"Thank you for humoring me," he said to Aaron, pressing the back of his hand to Aaron's arm very briefly.

"Are you going to explain what this is about?" Aaron asked quietly, looking down at Spencer's hand, then up at his face. "Not that I object to spending time with the two of you, and I am honored that you trust me with the truth about your relationship, but...I'm still confused." He sipped his brandy, still watching Spencer. "You said you wanted to talk. I assumed you meant privately, since you didn't want to talk at work. But since we're at Derek's, that doesn't seem to be quite the case." He glanced over at Derek, but when Spencer looked over, Derek just looked amused.

He gave Spencer a look that clearly said, Do you want to explain, or shall I?

Spencer gulped half his wine glass before Aaron looked back. Aaron needed more than a few sips of alcohol before they discussed this. Honestly, Spencer was hoping they didn't have to discuss it at all. He knew that wasn't very likely to happen, but the idea of touching Aaron and Aaron just responding was a much less nerve-wracking that the idea of explaining this. "Maybe it's okay to be confused," he said. "Maybe I just think you should relax more. We think that. I told you on the way here that we all wanted you to be happy." He cleared his throat and gave Aaron his best innocent smile, then said, "So shut up, drink your drink, and stop worrying."

Aaron's eyebrows shot up, but then he laughed and took another sip of his drink. "You were obviously in on this," he said, looking at Derek. "I'm guessing that you decided Spencer should be the one to approach me because I'd be more likely to go along with him?"

Caught in the middle of a sip, Derek shrugged. "Something like that," he admitted, grinning easily at Aaron.

Aaron's expression softened, so slightly that Derek might not have seen it from across the room, but Spencer caught it. "Morgan, I would have come over if you'd invited me," he said. Their gazes caught and held for a long moment, and Spencer drew in a giddy breath through his nose.

Spencer watched then for a moment longer, and then took a long sip of his wine. He moved a little closer to Aaron in the silence, just barely, then deflected Aaron's too interested look in the shift by grinning at Derek and murmuring, "Told you." He had to immediately hold up an arm to deflect the coaster that came flying at him, and then just started laughing.

Aaron stared at Derek for a moment, then said, "Spencer, if you're involved in an abusive relationship, I feel it my duty to--"

"Oh, don't you even start!" Derek exclaimed, and Aaron's expression dissolved into laughter.

Spencer's glass was almost empty, he realized, so he stood after a moment, still laughing a bit, and went to go get more to drink. This time, he just brought the bottles back with him, with the intention of keeping Aaron's glass as full as possible.

Several glasses later, Aaron got up to use the bathroom. Derek must have seen an opportunity, because he moved from the armchair to sit on the couch with Spencer. "Well, he's definitely loosening up," Derek murmured, leaning in for a hungry kiss. "But if you're waiting for him to make a move, I think you'll be waiting for a while, pretty boy." He ran his nose along Spencer's jaw and licked at his earlobe. "Just play along, we'll see how it goes."

Spencer sucked in a breath at the shiver that caused, and melted into Derek for a moment before tensing again. "This isn't a good idea," he panted, but his eyes fell shut in spite of his protest.

"Got a better one?" Derek asked, his arms tightening around Spencer, his lips working little teasing patterns into Spencer's jaw that were doing decent work at eroding Spencer's reserve.

"We should approach him," he managed. "He'll feel like a third wheel like this." Spencer's fingers curled in Derek's shirt and he turned his head to kiss Derek fully.

Derek moaned softly into the kiss, then pulled back just enough to whisper, "Trust me," against Spencer's lips. Then he kissed him again, his tongue teasing at Spencer's. He nibbled gently at Spencer's lips, then traced his tongue along Spencer's lower lip. "God, you're beautiful," he murmured, then pulled away slowly and stood, smiling down at him. After a moment he looked over Spencer's head, an open invitation clear on his face. "Aaron, we have a confession to make," he said.

Spencer turned to look at Aaron, who was standing in the doorway, looking delicious with his jacket off, his tie loosened, and his sleeves rolled up. He also looked more than a little stunned, though Spencer wasn't sure if it was because of the way they'd been kissing, or at the expression on Derek's face.

When Aaron realized they were both watching him, he cleared his throat. "Confession?" he asked, his voice slightly husky.

"You were right, we planned this. The idea is to get you drunk and take you to bed with us."

Spencer was certain his heart had stopped for a moment, but then it started hammering in his chest when the statement seemed to work its way through Aaron's brandy-soaked mind and caused Aaron to frown. A second later, though, Aaron was trying to smile through the frown. He couldn't seem to decide whether or not Derek was joking.

Spencer finally shifted and stood next to Derek. He wished Aaron were closer. He wanted to kiss Aaron and melt the confusion in his expression. "Mmn." He shifted on his feet, then finally suggested, "C'mere."

Aaron actually took a half-step forward, then he stopped again and shook his head. "I've obviously had too much to drink," he said. "Because I know you didn't just say--"

"We both want you," Derek interrupted. "And we've talked it over, and decided it would be a good idea to approach you." He slung an arm around Spencer's shoulder, which was comforting, since Aaron wasn't moving any closer. Spencer leaned into Derek's touch, then smiled when Derek stretched a hand out in invitation. "We thought it would be a good idea to get you relaxed a little before bringing it up, though."

The frown was winning on Aaron's face, though, so Spencer was finding it harder to keep his smile in place. "Aaron. We--" After a moment, nothing Spencer had wanted to say seemed to make as much sense as what came out, "Please don't be angry. Please come here."

Aaron's frown didn't fade, but he took a few steps closer, and Spencer felt the tightness in his chest ease. When Aaron got close enough, Derek tugged him forward, and Aaron let himself be pulled, but didn't reach out for either of them. Spencer reached up and brushed his fingers over Aaron's cheek, and Aaron's eyes fluttered shut.

"Spencer, you're drunk. We're all drunk. And I'm honestly a little shocked that you--"

Spencer silenced him with a kiss.

He wasn't sure Aaron was going to return it for a moment--his whole body seemed to stiffen under Spencer's lips--but then Aaron let out a gust of breath through his nose and was leaning in to kiss Spencer. The tastes of brandy and wine and the lingering hints of Derek's rum were playing between their tongues. Spencer whimpered. Aaron was a good kisser, just the right amount of tongue and lips, and Spencer slid his hand around Aaron's neck to deepen the kiss.

A soft, hungry noise escaped Derek's throat and his arm tightened around Spencer's shoulders. It wasn't a jealous gesture, though, for which Spencer was grateful. He let his fingers slide into Aaron's hair, and to his surprise, Aaron moved closer, relaxing further into it for a moment.

For just a moment. Then he tensed against Spencer and stumbled backwards, his eyes wide and dark as he stared from Spencer to Derek and back. Spencer glanced over at his lover and saw Derek biting his lip and looking down. His hand was still extended at his side, and Spencer surmised he must have pulled Aaron closer, maybe touched his arm or his back.

"No," Aaron said, his voice tight. "No. This...this is entirely inappropriate. If I had realized what you had in mind before I came here..." He trailed off, breathing hard. He wouldn't meet Spencer's eyes, which made Spencer wonder if his reaction was truly anger, or if it was a mixture of arousal and confusion.

"It's not. It's not inappropriate if all three of us want this, Aaron," Spencer pleaded softly, ducking his head to try and catch Aaron's gaze. "I realize that this isn't something you would have come up with, but that doesn't make it a bad idea. It could be good for all three of us."

Aaron glanced up at Spencer briefly, then over at Derek, and emotion flashed across his face, too quickly to identify. "Tell that to your lover, who won't look me in the eye," he snapped. "Morgan, did he talk you into this? Or was the reality just--"

"Excuse me?" Derek said, jerking his gaze up. "You're blaming this on Spencer? Don't even go there, Hotch. You're the one who jerked away as soon as I freakin' touched you."

Spencer's mouth had fallen open and he eyes had gone wide. Oh, this was not how this was supposed to go. "Can we please not do this?" he interrupted, but he really wasn't sure it would be possible to put things back to where they were a few moments ago. "Honestly, you think I'm the one who'd have to talk Derek into doing something promiscuous?" he said, which was probably the wrong question, because now Derek was frowning at him.

"Hey! What exactly do you mean by that?" Derek demanded.

"He's obviously uncomfortable with the sight of us kissing," Aaron replied. "Even if he thought it was a good idea originally..." He shook his head. "No. No. Reid, I've already destroyed my own marriage. I won't be responsible for ruining your relationship, too." He stepped back again and rubbed stiff fingers across his forehead. "I can't believe you got me drunk to talk me into this."

"You were plenty happy to get drunk here before we came on to you," Derek pointed out.

"That's irrelevant."

"He's not uncomfortable with us kissing," Spencer argued, then looked up at Derek, his tone taking on a hint of concern. "You weren't uncomfortable, were you?" Maybe he'd misread the way Derek's arm tightened on him.

Derek didn't look away from Aaron's face as he replied, "It was incredibly hot. I was turned on, not uncomfortable." But now it was Aaron not meeting Derek's gaze. "If Hotch hadn't pulled away..." Derek broke off and shook his head.

Spencer relaxed again and slid his arm around Derek, pressing his cheek to his lover's shoulder. "You're not destroying anything but an opportunity to--"

"To what?" Aaron asked, then finally looked up at them both again. "To be an accessory to your sex lives?"

"No!" Derek exclaimed, glaring at him. Spencer sighed, which apparently got Derek's attention, because he quit scowling and tried the endearing puppy-dog eyes on Aaron instead. "It's not like that, man," he said, his voice gentle. "Aaron, you can't deny that you're at least attracted to Spencer."

Aaron's brows drew together. "Also irrelevant," he muttered.

"Thanks," Spencer said, unable to quite stop himself.

"Spencer," Aaron started, and then stopped and shook his head. "No."

"How is that irrelevant?" Derek demanded. "Can you deny that you want this? That you like this idea?" He paused, tensing. "Or is it that you'd just rather have Spencer on his own?"

"Morgan, this conversation is over," Aaron said, and just that quickly, merely with his tone of voice, he stopped being the relaxed man they'd been drinking with--and touching--and became SSA Hotchner again.

"Oh, that's playing dirty," Derek said, his voice quiet. "We're not at work, Hotch, you don't get to give the orders."

"I won't discuss this," Aaron said, and turned around. He stalked out of the living room, down the hall to the front door, and Spencer at least was expecting to hear the door slam shut. But even angry, Aaron could control his temper.

Derek slumped. "Shit."

"Yeah," Spencer agreed, and let all of his weight melt against Derek. He was grateful when Derek closed his arms around him and pressed a kiss to the top of his head.

"Stubborn son of a--"

Spencer jerked away before Derek could finish, realization sinking in fast. "We can't let him drive like that," he gasped, and he started for the door. He hadn't heard Aaron start his car yet.

"He's probably freezing out there while he calls a cab from his cell," Derek grumbled behind him, but Spencer could tell he was following.

Aaron was standing just inside the door, his arms folded tightly across his chest, glaring at the dark blue wood. He didn't turn as they came into the entryway. He sucked in a breath and said, "You got me drunk so I couldn't leave."

Spencer sighed, and before he thought to stop himself, he reached out and gripped Aaron's shoulder. Aaron stilled, but didn't pull away. "We hadn't planned on an argument that would make you want to."

"We didn't force you to drink, man," Derek said.

"You still got me here under false pretenses."

Spencer glanced between them, then pressed a hand to Derek's shoulder too. "That's debatable," Spencer murmured. "I never lied to you."

"You can't possibly have expected me to think you were going to--to--proposition me!" Aaron glared at him. It hurt to have Aaron looking at him like that. Spencer tried to tell himself that Aaron had wanted him, and that was why he was so angry.

Derek made a noise that was almost a growl. "Fine," he snapped. "You want to be stupid, then fine. I obviously can't change your mind. But you're not driving home until you're sober. Come on, Spence. He can sleep on the couch." He pulled away and headed back up the hallway, obviously expecting Spencer to follow.

Spencer sighed and watched Derek go, then looked at Aaron, wishing Aaron would relax again. Things had been going so well. "I'm sorry, Aaron. I just..." He loosened his grip on Aaron's shoulder, but didn't let go. Instead he stroked his fingers over Aaron's shirt soothingly.

Aaron sighed, too, and looked down, rubbing a hand against his forehead. "I'm flattered, Reid, but...this was not a good idea." He closed his eyes. "If you don't follow Derek, he's going to be upset."

"You think I don't know that?" Spencer asked, smiling faintly. He must have still been drunk, regardless of how the recent happenings had sobered him, because Spencer felt himself taking a step toward Aaron... and then he leaned in to give Aaron an awkward hug. Aaron didn't return it, but he wasn't jerking away, so Spencer tightened his hold. "And for the record, I think you're wrong about this idea."

Aaron laughed, but it wasn't a happy sound. "For the record, your lover is going to kill me if you continue being nice to me. Derek is jealous about you. That was obvious even when you were just friends. I'm not going to ruin what the two of you have built." He pushed Spencer gently away, though his hands lingered on Spencer's shoulders for a moment. "Go."

Spencer snorted. "You couldn't ruin it if you tried," he mumbled, but stepped away anyway. "And you wouldn't try, so the point is moot." He sighed again, but then just started toward the direction Derek had gone.

Derek was in the bedroom closet, scowling as he pulled sheets and blankets down from the shelf. "I swear, sometimes I think he has a ruler shoved so far up his ass he doesn't have room for anything else," he grumbled as Spencer came in. "A blind idiot could see he wanted you, and I really don't think I'm so bad he couldn't put up with me to have you. This was a bad idea. A really fucking bad idea."

"You're lucky I'm not Aaron coming back here to apologize," Spencer pointed out.

"Aaron doesn't know how to fucking apologize," Derek snapped back. He grabbed a pillow off the bed and started out of the room. He stopped in the doorway, though, and sighed, then turned around. "I'm sorry. I'm not angry at you, pretty boy. You know that, right?" He crossed the room again to kiss Spencer. "Will you sleep with me tonight anyway?" His brown eyes were questioning as he gazed at Spencer. For a moment Spencer almost regretted this whole evening, if it could make Derek doubt himself like that. But he knew the three of them could be good together. Derek just needed to be reminded that he couldn't always be in control, especially when it came to Aaron.

"I know," he said. "I'll sleep with you. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but in your bed."

Derek smiled faintly and nodded, then headed out to the living room. When he came back not long after, he didn't look any happier, but Spencer hadn't heard any arguing, so he let it go and pulled Derek into bed with him. "Thank you for giving him my pillow," he said, giving Derek a tentative grin.

Derek's eyes widened a little and he looked at the bed. "Shit, sorry, I just grabbed one."

Spencer laughed and pulled Derek in for a kiss. "I was kidding. Let's just... sleep. Things'll be better in the morning." Or they could be a lot worse, Spencer thought, but tugged the blankets over them anyway.

Part Two